Real Estate Today

Want to start or expand your real estate investment portfolio? We’re breaking down what it takes to invest in the spring market! First, Matt Ritchie, owner of Ritchie Real Estate, breaks down the essentials of getting started and shares key terms every investor needs to know. Then, Luke Worrell, land expert and owner of Worrell Land Services, explains the ins and outs of investing in land—how to buy it, how to use it, and how to turn a profit. Home design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether two-tone kitchen cabinets are hot or not. Then, Keith Gumbinger, vice president at HSH.com, explains the differences between investment property mortgages and traditional home loans—plus what it takes to qualify. Whether you are a first-time investor or looking to grow your holdings, this episode has expert insights to help you succeed!  

Spring is one of the hottest times to sell a home, but what does it take to sell quickly and get top dollar in today’s market? Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, shares strategies for a successful home sale this spring. Then, Tori Toth, REALTOR® and founder of The Stage 2 Sell Strategy, explains how home staging helps attract buyers and boost their sale price. Melissa Dittmann Tracey highlights what paint colors are trending and which to avoid. Lastly, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, breaks down the latest Existing-Home Sales Report and what it means for sellers in the current market.

The 2025 spring real estate market is here, bringing new opportunities for buyers and sellers! First, Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, shares winning strategies for home buyers to succeed in a competitive market. Then, Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at NerdWallet, brings good news for first-time home buyers based on the latest First-Time Home Buyer Affordability Report. Next, Paul Pastelok, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, provides a spring weather forecast tailored for real estate, highlighting areas with sunny skies and those likely to face more unpredictable weather. Finally, home design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey breaks down the latest design trends. Tune in for everything you need to prepare for the 2025 spring market! This week’s episode is sponsored by Opendoor. Serve your clients the simpler way.

Ready to make your move to a new home? We dive into the final phase of the homebuying journey: moving! Whether you’re relocating across town or the country, we’ve got tips to help you get settled with minimal stress. First, can you guess which state the most people moved to in 2024? Jeff Lockridge, from U-Haul International, will tell you that and more when he discusses the latest migration trends based on U-Haul’s 2024 Growth Index. Then, Dale Mattison, REALTOR® and team leader at The Mattison Group, shares how REALTORS® can ease your move and why starting early is key. Gayla Dixon, residential sales manager at UniGroup Companies, offers expert advice on how to save money and stay on schedule during your move. Plus, home design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey breaks down the latest trends—are sliding barn doors still a hit, and what about statement ceilings? Tune in for everything you need to know to make your move go smoothly!

Vanessa Goggans, partner and chair of the residential real estate practice at Goggins Stutzman, shares essential insights on closing day procedures. She emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared for both buyers and sellers. The discussion delves into the latest trends in home prices and financial challenges facing retirees. Expert tips on reviewing documents and maintaining communication with lenders are highlighted as crucial steps for a smooth closing. Additionally, the podcast touches on innovative home design trends like wireless and landscape lighting.

Jeffrey Fagan, a seasoned REALTOR® and regional vice president at Watson Realty Corp., dives into the crucial role of appraisals in real estate. He reveals how sellers can maximize their home's appraisal value and discusses the advantages of pre-listing appraisals. The conversation also touches on strategies for buyers to make their offers more competitive in today’s market. Additionally, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on kitchen trends, debating the popularity of black countertops versus traditional wood flooring.

Are you considering buying a brand-new home? Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders shares what today’s home buyers seek in their new builds before REALTOR® Jeremy Lichtenstein walks us through buying newly constructed homes, from timelines to mortgages and inspections. Design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses whether Zoom rooms or multigenerational homes are hot or not. Then, Jeremey comes back to talk about the nonprofit he founded, Kids in Need Distributors (KIND), which provides food to thousands of kids each weekend. This week’s episode is sponsored by Opendoor. Serve your clients the simpler way.

Discover how to create a romantic atmosphere at home this Valentine's Day by appealing to the five senses. Learn about selecting the perfect rose with insights from a plant expert. Explore whether matching wall and floor colors are in style and dive into the charm of the old money aesthetic in design. Plus, gain insights from a realtor couple on their teamwork strategies and the implications of rising home prices on market trends and buyer opportunities.

Is 2025 the year you invest in real estate? REALTOR® Bill Armstrong from Maryland explains how to navigate the current interest rates and what to think about when buying your first investment property. Bill also discusses donating land to create the Terra Firma Retreat Center, which will be a retreat facility for military veterans and their families who are learning to cope with life on the other side of trauma. Then, home design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether biophilic design or integrating nature into your home is hot or not. Finally, Evan Liddiard, the director of federal tax policy at the National Association of REALTORS®, explains 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges and how it can help real estate investors.  

Explore the evolving landscape of the 2025 real estate market with expert insights on pricing homes and the significance of their condition. Discover challenges and opportunities for homebuyers, especially first-timers grappling with high prices. Uncover the impact of technology, from AI robots to smart lawn care devices, revolutionizing home maintenance. Lastly, dive into the implications of dropping rental rates and what it means for overall housing affordability.